INSIDER'SACCESS

Vegas is Cracking Down on Free Casino Drinks

Rebecca Shapiro

Jan 28, 2017

Call us alcoholics, but one of the best things about gambling in Vegas (even if you're spending next to nothing) is the near constant supply of free drinks. We're well aware it's a sly trick by casinos to keep us playing, and doing so drunkenly, but it's just crazy hard to resist.

If you feel the same, you'll be equally gutted to hear this news: MGM and Caesars are testing new technology to tell bartenders whether you really deserve those free cocktails. This'd mean free booze is no longer the norm, but something you'd only get if you've played enough and betted enough.

Don't panic, though. The Los Angeles Times has more info on the potential travesty, and has reported that all is not as bad as it seems. As of now, the play-to-drink thing applies only to video poker fans at certain bars, though it's likely to expand to more locations and situations in the future. Here's to betting (well, hoping), it doesn't...